The countdown is nearly over, but as Kansas State and Iowa State prepare to kick off the 2025 season in the unlikely setting of Dublin, Ireland, both teams are dealing with significant injury concerns.
The Big 12’s new injury reporting initiative has revealed a lengthy list of unavailable players, with Iowa State down 13 players, with three more questionable. Kansas State’s own report lists 13 out, two doubtful, and safety Gunner Maldonado marked probable. For the Wildcats, however, the news isn’t all bad, as one key defender is set to return while another’s status remains uncertain.
How Will Key Injuries Impact Kansas State’s Opener in Dublin?
Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman provided some welcome relief for fans when he confirmed that safety Gunner Maldonado will be available for the game. As Pete Thamel of ESPN reported, Klieman stated that the Arizona State transfer will suit up for No. 17 K-State against No. 22 Iowa State. This marks a long-awaited return for Maldonado, who tore his ACL last October against Texas Tech.
Kansas State coach Chris Klieman tells ESPN that transfer safety Gunner Maldonado (leg) will be available for No. 17 Kansas State against No. 22 Iowa State today. The Arizona transfer will not start and has a “limited play count,” per Klieman. pic.twitter.com/garijgjLr4
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 23, 2025
The ACL injury cut Maldonado’s previous season short, but his return gives Kansas State back a veteran defensive back known for his tackling and ball-hawking skills. After all, Maldonado was the 2023 Alamo Bowl Defensive MVP. However, his debut in a Wildcats uniform will be a cautious one.
Klieman clarified that while Maldonado is cleared to play, he will not start and will be on a “limited play count.” For a player clawing his way back from a major knee injury, easing into the season is a sensible approach. Before the injury, he started the first four games of the season, finishing with 11 tackles, a tackle for loss, and an interception. He even had four tackles apiece against New Mexico and Kansas State, plus a pick at Utah. Even in limited snaps, Maldonado’s presence could provide a spark in a rivalry that rarely needs extra juice.
On the other end of the injury spectrum sits George Fitzpatrick, the Ohio State transfer expected to anchor the Wildcats’ offensive line. Fitzpatrick has been sidelined since July by what the program described as a “serious medical situation.” While he has returned to Manhattan and is making progress, his timeline for a return to the field remains unclear. Klieman praised his day-by-day recovery but confirmed he would not be available for the trip to Ireland.
As Pete Nakos of On3 reported, Fitzpatrick’s absence was expected for the Week 0 contest. His journey to K-State was supposed to be a statement. A former four-star recruit, he brought championship experience from his time at Ohio State, where he played in all 16 games during the Buckeyes’ title run in 2024.
As @On3sports reported back in July, projected Kansas State starting OT George Fitzpatrick won’t be available in Week 0 against Iowa State.
Timetable for a return remains unclear. https://t.co/zUUpxmVqC4
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) August 23, 2025
During his tenure with the Buckeyes, Fitzpatrick logged 84 offensive snaps, including a career-high 22 against Western Michigan. When he committed to the Wildcats, he spoke about his desire to lead and show younger teammates what it takes to reach the sport’s peak.
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As Fitzpatrick explained, “I’ve seen what it takes to go to a national championship, and I think we have the chance to do it here. I want to lead the young guys, and I want to prove myself to the older guys and go from there.” For now, however, that leadership will have to come from the sidelines.
Linebacker Asa Newsom Also Ruled Out for Week 0
Apart from Fitzpatrick and Maldonado, as per the latest Big 12-mandated list, Kansas will be losing an LB, too. Asa Newsom was previously listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game; however, a new update confirms that the Wildcats will not have Newsom available for their season opener in Ireland.
“NEW: Per the availability report, Kansas State LB Asa Newsom has been downgraded to out. Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder is a game-time decision,” Derek Young reported. Newsom is a redshirt freshman who saw his 2024 campaign cut short after just seven appearances due to an injury.
He recorded four tackles, including a pair at BYU, and tied for fifth on the team with two tackles on kickoff coverage. An Academic All-Big 12 performer, he was hoping to build momentum this fall, but for now, Kansas State will have to move forward without him in Dublin.
The annual clash between Kansas State and Iowa State, the 109th consecutive meeting between the schools, will proceed on Irish soil. The game carries not only Big 12 title and playoff implications but also serves as a celebration of college football’s unique traditions. As Maldonado straps on the pads again and Fitzpatrick focuses on his recovery, the Wildcats head into Dublin with one key defender returning but a cornerstone of their offensive line missing.
